Overview

• UKHSA and the Met Office have activated amber and yellow heat-health alerts across all English regions, extending yellow warnings in seven areas until 6pm on August 18.
• UKHSA warned of increased risk of heat-related illness and urged at-risk individuals to follow NHS guidance and seek emergency help if heatstroke symptoms develop.
• The National Drought Group has classified five regions as in drought and six more in prolonged dry weather status, describing the situation as ‘nationally significant’ water shortfalls.
• The Met Office issued yellow thunderstorm warnings for much of Scotland and northern England, forecasting heavy downpours of up to 30 mm in an hour, hail and localized flood risks.
• North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue declared a major incident when a wildfire on Langdale Moor near RAF Fylingdales spread over five square kilometres in parched conditions.